Passing of Past Chief Augustus "Gus" Bowling lll

Past Chief Gus Bowling lll passed today at home after losing his battle with cancer. All please keep Gus and his family in your thoughts and prayers. As soon as I get the arrangements I will post them asap.

Gus Bowling lll joined the Bel Alton VFD in March of 1981 and served as an active member and one of the top runners/drivers of the department till December of 1999. During his time with the department Gus held every line officer position between the years of 1985-1999 from Fire Sgt. to Fire Chief
and also served for many years on the Board of Directors. Gus became a life member of the department in 1996. Gus was awarded Fireman of the Year twice 1986 and 1998. Operationally it is safe to say that Gus was one of the members that had done it all during his tenure with the Bel Alton VFD.

On the membership application Gus filled out in 1981 one of the questions on his application asked:

"Why do you want to become a fireman?"

His answer: Help out other people in need.

I believe that during his service to the citizens of Charles County from 1981 to the present he did just that for thousands of the citizens in and around the county with no more than a pat on the back from his peers and the knowledge of knowing he had made a difference, just as he had wanted to the day he joined his first volunteer department and answered the question above. The volunteer fire service in Southern Maryland has lost a great leader, trainer and resource.

Sincerely,

Cory Frye
Chief 10 BAVFD